Intercoiffure America Canada salons set the bar in the beauty industry for customer service, innovation and leadership. But they couldn’t build successful businesses without talented team members. And those stylists are taught and molded by the people at the core of the beauty industry: teachers.

Intercoiffure America Canada salons set the bar in the beauty industry for customer service, innovation and leadership. But they couldn’t build successful businesses without talented team members. And those stylists are taught and molded by the people at the core of the beauty industry: teachers.

“Teachers are the first mentors a student meets,” says Scott Buchanan, ICA president. “They shape a student’s impression of the beauty industry. At ICA, we strive to ensure teachers are educated about the benefits and opportunities available to their future stylists in employee-based salons.”

ICA’S campaign, Honor Your Teachers, was developed to spotlight outstanding teachers with nominations from the people who know them best—their students.

Acknowledging and honoring the contribution teachers make to the industry has become an important focus for ICA, as its members attribute much of their own success to mentors and the teachers who’ve influenced their own paths.

David Campbell, a lead educator at Aveda Institute Brandon near Tampa, Florida, was one of fifteen honored teachers since the programs inception in 2023.

“It was overwhelming,” says Campbell. “I’ve been an educator for almost 20 years and have been recognized before, but nothing like this. To receive an award from such a prestigious organization made me feel like a million dollars.”

Campbell adds, “As educators, we are responsible for preserving our industry and guiding the new generations of stylists. When they run into challenges, they need a strong educator who can guide them through with love. At the end of the journey, the educator and student should both feel good.”

NOMINATE YOUR FAVORITE TEACHER

This spring, ICA has joined industry partners Pivot Point, Beauty Cast Network, and the Professional Beauty Association to gather nominations from students across North America.

A panel of ICA members will narrow down these nominees to five incredible educators who win a paid trip to New York to attend ICA’s Fall Atelier.

“Going to Atelier and being surrounded by successful salon owners was a wonderful experience,” Campbell says. “I admire their work and it was an honor to be in their presence.”

Campbell also has some words of advice for new educators: “Always be engaged with your students,” he says. “Be a mentor, a coach and a shoulder for them to lean on.”

Are you passionate about your favorite teacher? Nominate them here. Read about previous years’ nominated teachers here.